Church

Our phone rang at 8:00 am.

We had heard our boarder leave at 7:00am.  John is with us for a few days a week, for the next few weeks — awaiting buying a house and moving here with his family.  I guess I would say he is more a house guest.  We have enjoyed a meal together and look forward to just having him around.

So, back to the story!  Our phone rang at 8:00 am. 

One of our parishioners was inviting us over for tea.  3:00 in the afternoon would be fine.

At 3:00 we walked into her apartment.  She is in her 90’s (?).  Certainly keeps going well even though age does tend to wear on people!

After a number of discussions on church, family, weather and other topics we arrived at funerals. 

I’ve determined that funeral preparation is as much a part of life as dying!  Someone nearing the end of life has a decided desire to prepare for the eventual end.  When this preparation is done, then there is a sigh of relief. 

This precious parishioner has been thinking of funeral preparations and as we discussed I was glad to hear some of her thoughts.  She has favourite hymns that have had an effect on her, as have the scriptures.

Next visit we have an agenda already set.  A bit of oral history — just finding out some more of her life.  And a look at how she would like a remembrance service to look! 

To this meeting — I am looking forward!!

There was a day when I thought all people just attended church.  Must have been when I was younger.

Of course, there were the bad kids.  They wouldn’t go to church because they were so bad.

Now I’ve grown up.  It’s not just bad kids who don’t go to church!

For a number of reasons, the institution of the church has hurt and disillusioned a number of Christians.  Not that they don’t recognize a need to be with other like minded people.  But they are afraid of the hurt that comes when they get invovled in a large group of people.

A small group, a house church, even a coffee klatch, is acceptable for Christian fellowship.  In fact, they will get involved with people who are involved in a church at any other time than during the “regular church service” time.  They will eat with, fellowship with, work with, serve with, and even minister with them.  But the church service time seems to hold them back.

OK, for some it is just a matter of stubbornness or laziness.  For others, though, there is a very tangible history that has invaded their reality.  I’ve been looking this over for the last few years.

So, here is where your comments would be helpful (as they have been in the past!).  How can a church change — what does a church need to change — in order to welcome back those who have been dechurched?

In 1974 I was introduced to Sam Polson.  He was a buyer for an national clothes chain.

Sam’s mandate was to outfit a singing group called Sound Alliance.  He made sure that we had ties and wool suits of the highest quality.  He also had to show us a few tricks for tying ties.

When you crossver the two ends of the tie, you find the seam in the tie and start looping from there.  I can tie a tie in less than 20 seconds.  And it looks good first time around.

Many men struggle with ties.  They leave them knotted.  Watch the contortions that happen as they try to remove the tie without pulling their heads off!

If we could get past the actual tying of ties, we would soon see that they are a good thing!  Let’s bring back the tie — for the following reasons

• Keep your neck warm
• Cover your buttons
• Work as a napkin
• Provide clothing decor
• Work like duct tape to tie things together

Any other reasons?  Add your comments as we attempt to resurrect the proper place of the tie in our society!!

A local girl who has been living in Calgary, Sheri Verhaeghe (oops — van Runt) got married to Michael today!!